Gifted and Challenged: The Making of 'Shortbus'

M. Sean Kaminsky
2007-03-13


6.3
31 min

A look at the unusual process used in the making of the film Shortbus (2006) featuring interviews, behind the scenes footage and clips from the feature film. Director John Cameron Mitchell starts with the concept of using real sex in a film with a positive message. The cast of unknowns is selected from homemade audition tapes and then a callback audition workshop. More acting workshops are used to develop the characters and script. The project overcomes a number of obstacles and the rest of the film's development is followed up until its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.

Cast

Name Character Team
Raphael Barker Rob Unowned
Lindsay Beamish Severin Unowned
Justin Vivian Bond Himself Unowned
Jay Brannan Ceth Unowned
Jonathan Caouette Himself Unowned
Shanti Carson Leah Unowned
Miek Coccia Himself Unowned
Paul Dawson James / Himself Unowned
PJ DeBoy Jamie Unowned
Howard Gertler Himself Unowned
Maya Hardinge Herself Unowned
Timothy Heber Himself Unowned
Jasper James Jasper Unowned
Bel Jordan Himself Unowned
Sook-Yin Lee Sofia Unowned
John Cameron Mitchell Himself Unowned
Tim Perell Himself Unowned
Louis Schwadron Himself Unowned
Susan Shopmaker Herself Unowned
Peter Stickles Caleb Unowned